Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 1: Union health minister JP Nadda highlighted the importance of preventive measures and early testing in tackling HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1. This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” focuses on addressing the epidemic, protecting vulnerable groups, and combating stigma.
Speaking on social media platform X, Nadda stressed the need to fight misconceptions surrounding HIV. “World AIDS Day reminds us of the importance of understanding HIV/AIDS, taking preventive measures, and encouraging early testing. It is also an opportunity to show solidarity with those affected and dispel myths about transmission,” he said. He added that society must ensure equal access to healthcare while raising awareness and eliminating discrimination.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40.8 million people were living with HIV in 2024, with 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 deaths from HIV-related causes.
India has made notable progress under the National AIDS Control Programme. Between 2010 and 2024, annual new HIV infections declined by 48.7 per cent, AIDS-related deaths fell by 81.4 per cent, and mother-to-child HIV transmission dropped by 74.6 per cent. In the period from 2020–21 to 2024–25, HIV testing rose from 4.13 crore to 6.62 crore, antiretroviral treatment coverage increased from 14.94 lakh to 18.60 lakh people living with HIV, and viral load testing nearly doubled from 8.9 lakh to 15.98 lakh.
Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia, noted that the region—including India—has made steady progress. From 2015 to 2024, deaths fell by 62 per cent and new infections declined by 32 per cent. Currently, 85 per cent of people with HIV know their status, 74 per cent of them are receiving treatment, and 72 per cent have achieved viral suppression. However, these figures remain short of the global ‘95-95-95’ target to end AIDS by 2030.
In the South-East Asia region, approximately 3.5 million people live with HIV, alongside 42 million with hepatitis B, seven million with hepatitis C, and 60 million with sexually transmitted infections. Last year, 88,000 people were newly infected, and around 50,000 died due to HIV-related causes.
Nadda’s message on World AIDS Day underscores prevention, early detection, and social solidarity as key pillars in India’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.